Get ready to fall head over heels for Cajun Chicken & Gravy, the Southern-inspired comfort dish you’ll want on repeat all year long. This recipe brings tender, juicy chicken together with a bold and spicy Cajun gravy, packed with sweet bell peppers, onions, and just the right hit of heat. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s simple to make yet utterly soul-satisfying or looking to impress friends with down-home flavor, Cajun Chicken & Gravy has you covered in the most delicious way.

Cajun Chicken & Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cajun Chicken & Gravy is in its humble ingredients and bold flavors. Each one plays a special role—bringing texture, building depth, or making the colors pop. Here’s everything to gather before you get cooking!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts for quicker cooking and super tender shreds in your gravy.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweet depth and becomes meltingly soft in the gravy.
Bell Peppers: Use a mix for vibrant color and a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Celery Stalk: Diced for that classic Southern aromatic trio that elevates the sauce.
Butter: Gives your roux unbeatable richness and a glossy finish.
Olive Oil: Helps both with searing the chicken and starting off the veggies.
Onion Powder: Brings extra savory depth that melds perfectly into the gravy.
Garlic Powder: Delivers aromatic notes without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic.
Paprika: Lends gentle smokiness and a gorgeous deep color.
Cajun Seasoning: The star seasoning—spicy, smoky, and punchy, make it as mild or hot as you like.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening; this forms the savory base for your gravy.
Chicken Broth: Adds richness and pulls all the seasonings together in a luscious sauce.
Chicken Bouillon Powder: Amp up that savory, mouthwatering chicken flavor in your gravy.
Extra Cajun Seasoning: Taste as you go for that perfect spice level!

How to Make Cajun Chicken & Gravy

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by drizzling olive oil over your chicken breasts, giving each side a gentle massage to make sure they’re evenly coated. Now, sprinkle on a glorious mix of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and—of course—Cajun seasoning. Go for an even coating on both sides, setting the stage for layers of flavor in every bite of your Cajun Chicken & Gravy.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your trusty skillet over medium-high and add the rest of your olive oil. Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in and let them sizzle undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side. Before you know it, you’ll have golden, fragrant chicken with a beautiful crust. Check that the internal temp hits 165 degrees, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Build the Roux

With the heat lowered, add the butter to the same skillet (don’t you dare wipe out those tasty brown bits!). Toss in your onions, bell peppers, and celery. Let everything soften and lightly caramelize for extra flavor. Now sprinkle in the flour, stirring continually. This is your roux—the backbone of any great gravy. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes for that perfect nutty base.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

When your veggies and roux smell irresistible, slowly whisk in the chicken broth and bouillon powder. Add a little Cajun seasoning here too, tasting as you go. Whisk away until smooth, letting the mixture gently bubble until it thickens up into a rich, pepper-flecked gravy.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Shred your seared chicken into hearty chunks, then nestle them into the simmering gravy. Stir and let everything cozy up together, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to get luxuriously coated. Once the gravy hits your ideal consistency, your Cajun Chicken & Gravy is ready to serve and savor!

How to Serve Cajun Chicken & Gravy

Garnishes

Pile your Cajun Chicken & Gravy high and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or scallions for a bright pop of green. If you love heat, scatter a few extra dashes of Cajun seasoning or some thinly sliced jalapeño for spicy flair.

Side Dishes

This dish begs for something to soak up all that glorious gravy! Serve over steamed white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Add a side of sautéed greens or corn for a true Southern feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try loading your Cajun Chicken & Gravy onto thick slices of toasted Texas toast for an open-faced sandwich. Spoon the saucy chicken into a baked potato for a cozy lunch, or fold into a tortilla with crunchy slaw for a Cajun-inspired wrap—the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Allow your Cajun Chicken & Gravy to cool fully, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll last up to three days in the refrigerator, making weeknight lunches or next-day comfort food a snap.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will hold up well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Warm your Cajun Chicken & Gravy gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. A quick zap in the microwave also works for single servings—just stir well and heat until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful and work wonderfully in Cajun Chicken & Gravy. Just adjust your cook time as thighs may need an extra few minutes to be fully done.

How can I make the dish spicier or milder?

The heat level is all about the Cajun seasoning. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, or amp it up for a fiery kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you’re seeking more heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional Cajun Chicken & Gravy uses all-purpose flour for the roux. For a gluten-free version, substitute a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch; just keep an eye on the texture as it thickens.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms or diced tomatoes are amazing additions. Just sauté them along with your peppers, onions, and celery for extra depth.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Let the chicken rest for a minute, then use two forks to pull it apart into hearty chunks. Alternatively, you can cut it into bite-sized pieces if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that brings people together and keeps plates clean, Cajun Chicken & Gravy is the answer. It’s a recipe with heart—a little spicy, a little cozy, and beyond satisfying. Give it a try and make it your new weeknight hero!

Cajun Chicken & Gravy Recipe